WESTLAKE -- To find the latest and greatest in cosmetics, Newschannel5's Lee Jordan visited Sephora at Crocker Park.

Color expert Carrie Jones showed off Lancome's oscillating mascara complete with a brush that vibrates 7,000 times a minute.

"When it vibrates you don't have to wiggle it on the lashes, so you get length and separation without clumps," said Jones.

Mineral makeup has been popular the last couple years, but if you've avoided it because you think it makes your skin look dry, Smashbox has a new formulation called Halo, which moisturizes and minimizes lines.

"When you put this on someone, it instantly looks like powder. About 10 minutes later look at the skin and lines are decreased. The skin looks flawless and radiant and you have an amazing glow you don't get from traditional powder," Jones said.

It's also less messy. The container lets you grind off only the amount of makeup you want to use.

Clinique has convenience in mind with its new quick blush.

"You don't have to have different things in your purse. It's all in one with the blush in the cap," said Jones.

Product manufacturers are also responding to a greater demand for green products that don't have preservatives, parabens, fragrance and other chemicals. Some products that offer a natural approach are from Boscia and Caudalie.

There's also an innovative lip gloss by Cargo that comes with an indicator that let's you know when you should toss it.

More Makeup Tips From Lee Jordan

I picked up some great makeup tips during my research for this weeks 5 Things. I am now a convert to using primers – for my face and eyes. Our WEWS makeup artist Francine Zachowski has been urging me to give them a try, even though I’ve resisted the extra steps since I’m usually in a hurry. She said “it’ll help absorb oil, smooth your skin and make you look younger!” Well OK, I’m all over that! I chose one from Smashbox, which touts itself as the “Primer Authority.” They have several formulations and tints to address different skin issues such as redness. I’m using their Light primer, oil free and have to admit I can actually see the difference. I have also been using a primer for my eyelids, and really helps the eyeshadow stay in place and resist creasing.

The mascaras we looked at come in a range of prices – up to $28. To save a few bucks, there are loads of comparable products available in almost every makeup category at drug and discount stores. For example, L’Oreal Volumizer mascara and the classic Maybelline Great Lash are both from the same company that makes Lancome – noted for their mascaras -- and Armani cosmetics, among others. Cover Girl Lash Blast also gets good reviews. And Maybelline has come out with its own mineral makeup – Maybelline Loose Mineral Foundation – for under $10. The range of shades is excellent.

Meanwhile, I have enjoyed reading your comments in the discussion about those cosmetics that you just can’t live without. The one that tops my list is Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat. Fancy name for something that – I swear – makes it look like I get more sleep than I really do! It’s more a highlighter than a concealer, but does a great job erasing shadows around the eyes and nose, and comes in a convenient pen brush that dispenses just what you need. It’s not cheap – around $40. But it lasts for months, and no other product I’ve tried comes close to this “secret weapon.”

One more amusing note: during my visit to Sephora, I noticed “character” lines of makeup – Barbie has one (celebrating 50 years, I guess) and better yet, Too Faced has a Smurfette line. That’s right, Smurf. The “So Smurfy Face Powder” is a pretty skin illuminator.